http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/d...omber-concept/

I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised... I quite like it. Keeps a lot of the MINI DNA while reinterpreting it in a larger, more rugged shape. Headlamps and grille area work well for me, as do the overall proportions of the car. The grille, not so much, but I'm sure that will be replaced with a more conventional (and MINI-ish) treatment in the production Countryman... probably more like the blue sketch below. The rear taillamps are a little blobbish (they kind of remind me of... a GM SUV?), but overall... not half bad. Interior looks good, really liking the 4 individual seats (hopefully that makes it to production). I may well look at the Countryman in 2012.

Sketches below, 3D renders through the link (sketches look better than the render, but isn't that always the case?).

 

wow... this is totally awesome, i'd buy one!!!

 

This has got to be the coolest thing I have seen from MINI is a while. I dont even care that it isnt a "sports car". It's just too cool.

 

I saw a picture online somewhere of an R50 that had a lift kit, it's doors cut off, and various off-road accessories. I think it had a camo vinyl wrap. Not sure where it was, and I didn't save the photo for some reason.

 

It's only natural to suppress bad memories!

 

It's AWD. I'm in!

 

They called it the beachcomber and not the moke........hmmmm ok

 

The car from the Madonna video.

 

hate to admit that i kind of like this lol... def would need a not chopped up cooper to balance it though... if i was gunna do a baja 1000 or something i'd wanna be in a mini!

 

Unusual? Practical? Attractive????Would I want One, NO

 

Smaller not bigger! Or at least offer one new smaller model.

 

I doubt it - I reckon that is the production grille shape even if the inset lights aren't standard. The mini Dodge Ram look would fit in with the real marketing drive behind SUVs/4x4s which is the idea of protection for those who are too scared to drive regular cars. So that "get out of my way, I can drive right over you" look is important and the imposing grille is an essential part of that.

To see photos rather than sketches, go to:
http://theswitchback.com/news/introd...comber-concept

Andrew

 

I'm sold. When my 06 R53 hits the right amount of mileage, that is.

 

MUCH better than the concept!

 

(Those are 3D renders, not photos.)

I mean for the Countryman... I don't think MINI would go with somethough so decidedly non-urban looking. Well, we'll see... I'm hoping for the Countryman, and another more Jeep-ish variant along the lines of this concept (but with doors, thanks!).

 

It's not very Mini.

 

I like it.

 

Thank goodness it is only a "styling excercise". Its ugly and goes against everything MINI. If you want a Moke, use the Clubman platform and leave it at that.

 

it intrigue me

 

Looks like it should be a Land Rover or something else. Just because it has a Mini "Look" does not make it a MINI.
Don't get me wrong, I think it looks like it could be a lot of fun and exciting to drive but it needs to be something else. It's as much a MINI as a Cimmaron was a Cadillac.

 

Here it is, at the Detroit Auto show via Autoblog. Enjoy and lets hear opinions and thoughts please!!

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/d...-doors-behind/

 

I had a Jeep Wrangler already and it was great but the mpg ! thats why i have a cooper now

 

Great concept, and the functionality of the design looks smart and efficient.

I saw a video somewhere online about how the back roof line and how there are 2 different areas to attach surf boards or bikes to racks. Very cool engineering.

The rear spare tire holder, does't hold your tire, it's where you'd keep running shoes, a bike helmet, and room for clothes. Which is in keeping with the Ironman Competition it's designed from.

I'm curious to evaluate the four wheel drive, and off road capabilities. If they'r e going after the North American Jeep market, they have hard work to accomplish grabbing Jeep buyers. But I do think this has a good chance to do that, provided it's not over priced.

I hope they make it the dealer's floors!

 

I'll take one in black, please. AWD, if you don't mind.

 

I kind of like it.